HOLIDAYS BY STEAM 2017 – 2020
Steam on the Brocken
Featuring
HARZ MOUNTAINS EXPLORER TO GERMANY 2018
WELCOME ABOARD Welcome to our Holidays by Steam Brochure which contains not only four day breaks around the UK but some exciting new plans for steam tours abroad. Bookings are now open for our Harz Mountains Explorer in Germany in April 2018 which is the first of what we anticipate will be many international Holidays by Steam. Inside the brochure you will find outlined plans for trips to the Great Lakes of America in Autumn 2019 and an exciting plan for a trip from top to bottom of New Zealand in 2020. If you are interested in either of these tours please do notify the Booking Office and you will be given an early notice of the detail of these tours before they go on general sale. Yet again we will be visiting the Scottish capital of Edinburgh for three nights in May 2018 and the hope is that we will again be using the Flying Scotsman but this is subject to the NRM’s plans for the loco which will be announced in Midsummer 2017. If not Scotsman, then we have alternative locos in mind including an A4 and a B1. Our 2018 programme is completed by a mid summer visit to the Lake District which will be a great place to enjoy the long evenings in one of Europe’s most outstanding natural environments.
Harz Mountains Explorer Mainline Pullman Dining
CONTENTS THE MOORS & DALES EXPRESS - SEPTEMBER 2017 Page 4 - 5 HARZ MOUNTAINS EXPLORER - APRIL 2018 Page 6 - 16 THE CATHEDRALS EXPRESS TO EDINBURGH - MAY 2018 Page 17 - 20
Page 21 - 24 THE LAKES EXPRESS - JUNE 2018
Page 25 - 28 GREAT LAKES EXPLORER - AUTUMN 2019 TERMS AND CONDITIONS Page 29
Page 30 - 31 KIWI EXPLORER - OCTOBER 2020
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ENGLAND SEP 2017
SCOTLAND MAY 2018
USA AUTUMN 2019
Moors and Dales
GERMANY APRIL 2018
Harz Mountains Explorer
Edinburgh
ENGLAND JUNE 2018
The Lakes Express
The Great Lakes Explorer
NEW ZEALAND AUTUMN 2020
Kiwi Explorer
We hope you find something of interest in this brochure. If you would like further information on any of these tours please call our Booking Office on 01483 209888. We will be happy to discuss options with you.
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THE MOORS & DALES EXPRESS with FLYING SCOTSMAN Friday 15 - Monday 18 September
THE MOORS & DALES EXPRESS 2017
Travel out with Flying Scotsman to Yorkshire and return with the Duchess of Sutherland. You have the choice of spending 3 nights by the coast in Whitby or in the Yorkshire Dales.
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MOORS
Day 1 Friday 15 September
Day 1 Friday 15 September
London to Thirsk
London to Whitby
Flying Scotsman will head our train from London Victoria via the Midland Mainline over the famous Harringworth Viaduct to York and then Thirsk where passengers will leave the train. Passengers staying with Steam Dreams will be accompanied to their hotels.
Flying Scotsman will head our train from London Victoria via the Midland Mainline over the famous Harringworth Viaduct to Darlington where the locomotive leaves us. We then run diesel hauled to Whitby. Passengers staying at Steam Dreams hotels will be accompanied to their hotels.
Days 2&3 Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 September
Days 2&3 Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 September
Days at leisure in the Dales
Days at leisure in Whitby
On Days 2 and 3 you will have the opportunity to relax and explore the local area at your leisure or join one of our excursions which will include visits to Ripon Cathedral, Newby Hall & Gardens and Theakstons Brewery or you may join one of our trips on the Wensleydale and Weardale Railways.
Passengers will be at leisure to explore the lovely seaside town of Whitby renowned for its association with Dracula or join one of our tours which will include a visit to Whitby Abbey and a boat trip or travel on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
Day 4 Monday 18 September
Day 4 Monday 18 September
Scarborough to London
Scarborough to London
After breakfast, passengers staying with Steam Dreams will be transferred by road coach to Scarborough to rejoin the train where steam locomotive Duchess of Sutherland is waiting.We will return to London Victoria via Lincoln where we will have an afternoon break.
After breakfast, passengers staying with Steam Dreams will be transferred by road coach to Scarborough to rejoin the train where steam locomotive Duchess of Sutherland is waiting.We will return to London Victoria via Lincoln where we will have an afternoon break.
HOTELS
HOTELS
Swinton Park
Dunsley Hall
Pullman Style Dining passengers will stay at the luxury castle hotel, Swinton Park which is still owned by the Cunliffe-Lister family and the ancestral seat of the Earl of Swinton, Premier Dining will stay at the newly refurbished Golden Fleece in Thirsk and Premium Standard will stay at the 18th century Royal Oak in central Ripon.
Pullman Style dining passengers will stay in one of the 28 rooms in The Keep at Raithwaite Hall, Premier Dining passengers will be either in Bagdale Hall or Dunsley Hall while First and Premium Standard passengers will stay at the Bay Royal Hotel.
Fares with hotels - Moors
Fares with hotels - Dales
Class of travel
Fares without hotels
per person
Single Supplement
per person
Single Supplement
Table for 2 Supplement
Pullman Style Dining
£749
£1249
£225
£1249
£350
£125
Premier Dining
£629
£909
£160
£929
£200
£100
First Class
£499
£779
£160
£799
£200
-
Premium Standard
£349
£549
£50
£599
£125
-
Booking Office 01483 209888
THE MOORS & DALES EXPRESS 2017
DALES
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HARZ MOUNTAINS EXPLORER GERMANY Tuesday 17 - Wednesday 25 April 2018 1 night in Berlin • 3 nights in Dresden 3 nights in the Harz Mountains • 1 night in Cologne For many this will be the Holiday by Steam of a lifetime as we take The Cathedrals Explorer to mainland Europe for the first time.
HARZ MOUNTAINS EXPLORER 2018
Our adventure begins in Cologne, a 2000 year old Cathedral City on the banks of the Rhine, where we step aboard our charter train to travel across country to the capital, Berlin. We visit some of the city’s most prominent historical and cultural sites before taking beginning our 7 day steam journey with a trip south to Dresden.
Steam locomotive in Harz Mountains
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Known as the Jewel Box, thanks to its baroque and rococo city centre, Dresden is home to many stunning buildings including the restored Frauenkirche in the centre of the Altmarkt, Zwinger - the Dresden Royal Palace originating in the 12th century and many other museums and galleries. As well as a chance to visit the sights of the city, you will also have a chance to experience the two narrow gauge railways nearby; the Freital and Radebeul lines. In between you can add another day of mainline steam to your itinerary with a trip across the border into the Czech Republic to the world famous city of Prague. Arguably the highlight of the tour will be our three night stay in the picturesque Harz Mountains, the birthplace of many German Fairytales. A steam operated 140km long network of lines criss-crosses the enchanting forests and glistening streams of the region. The most famous of which climbs over 3000 feet from the terminus in the town of Wernigerode to the summit of the mountains at the Brocken, still expected to be covered in a blanket of snow when we visit.
HARZ MOUNTAINS EXPLORER 2018
Booking Office 01483 209888
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UNITED KINGDOM London NETHERLANDS
Calais
Bielefeld Dortmund
BELGIUM
Lille
Brussels
Hanover Braunschweig Wernigerode
Aachen Cologne Kassel
FRANCE
Harz National Park
GERMANY
Main Tour
Dresden
Prague
Optional Tour
CZECH REPUBLIC
HARZ MOUNTAINS EXPLORER 2018
Flight option also available
Main image © Bart van’t Grunewold
POLAND
Leipzig SWITZ
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Berlin
Non-dining and Premier Dining Compartment
Pullman Style Dining
www.CathedralsExpress.co.uk
Day 1 Tuesday 17 April 2018
Day 2 Wednesday 18 April 2018
London & Cologne to Berlin
Berlin to Dresden
Passengers will leave from London’s St Pancras by Eurostar as we start our adventure heading right across France, Belgium and Germany. At Cologne we join our own train which will be diesel hauled to Berlin arriving mid-evening. Passengers will also have the option to join and leave in Cologne, either making their way independently to Cologne or have their flights to Berlin organised by Steam Dreams. On arrival in Berlin you will be coached to your hotels.
In the morning explore the vibrant city of Berlin, and visit some of the historical icons like the Brandenburg Gate or join a 2 hour guided coach tour of the city. In the afternoon we enjoy our first taste of steam as we are hauled south by one of Germany’s preserved express locomotives to the wonderful city of Dresden. On arrival in Dresden you will be coached to your hotels where you will stay for the next three nights. Pullman and Premier Dining passengers will have dinner in their hotel on arrival.
HARZ MOUNTAINS EXPLORER 2018
Brandenburg Gate
Premier Dining guests will be at the 4H Westin Grand Hotel in the heart of Berlin’s exclusive shopping area and close to the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag.
Berlin Hotels
Adlon Kempinski
Pullman guests will be staying in the luxurious 5H Adlon Kempinski Hotel, located just yards from the Brandenburg Gate and one of the most sought after hotels in the city.
Westin Grand Hotel
Non-dining guests will be staying at the 3H InterCity Hotel Hauptbahnhof which is close to the main railway station and within 5-10 minutes’ walk of the Reichstag.
Booking Office 01483 209888
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HARZ MOUNTAINS EXPLORER 2018
991475 on the line to Radebeul, Dresden, Š Tony Streeter
Dresden Hotels
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Taschenberg Palais Kempinski
Steigenberger Hotel
Pullman guests will be staying in the beautiful 5H Taschenberg Palais Kempinski, built by the King of Saxony in the 18th century and beautifully restored in 1995. It is just yards from the Royal Palace, and the famous Frauenkirche.
Premier Dining guests will be staying at the 4H Steigenberger Hotel in the main square which overlooks the Frauenkirche. Non-dining guests will be staying at the centrally located 3H Star Inn Hotel Premium in the Altmarkt.
www.CathedralsExpress.co.uk
Day 3 Thursday 19 April 2018 Dresden Local tours will include coach or walking tours of Dresden taking in the many sights including the museums, Palaces, Gardens, Frauenkirche and Riverside walks. There will also be optional trips to nearby Meissen (home to the world famous china factory), a wine tour and a sightseeing tour of the local Saxony area. Optional Steam Trips Amazingly, as a legacy of its past as part of East Germany, Dresden still has local railways in the suburbs that are steam operated. There will be optional excursions to both the Freital Railway and the Radebeul Railway during the day.
The Freital Railway, Š Tony Streeter
HARZ MOUNTAINS EXPLORER 2018
Elbe River in Dresden
Booking Office 01483 209888
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Day 4 Friday 20 April 2018 Optional tour to Prague
HARZ MOUNTAINS EXPLORER 2018
You may opt for a trip by steam along the banks of the River Elbe across the border into the Czech Republic all the way to the capital city of Prague. Our journey will allow several hours to explore historic Prague before we return steam hauled to Dresden. Alternatively, you may choose to remain in Dresden for a day at leisure or join one of our optional coach excursions.
Charles Bridge and Prague Castle
Day 5 Saturday 21 April 2018 Dresden to the Harz Mountains by Steam The Harz Mountains Explorer now heads West, and we enjoy a lunchtime break in the Cathedral City of Leipzig. Soon after leaving Leipzig we have views of the distant Harz Mountains towering over the surrounding plains. Soon we will be arriving at our destinations of the pretty market towns of Ilsenborg and Wernigerode where passengers will be staying for their three nights here in the Harz Mountains. Premier Dining guests will be staying in the 4H Travel Charme Gothisches Haus Wernigerode.This historic hotel is located in the central square of Wernigerode and is easy walking distance to all the main attractions.
Harz Mountains Hotels
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Landhaus Zu den Rothen Forellen, Ilsenborg
Travel Charme Gothisches Haus Wernigerode
Pullman guests will be staying in the picture postcard 5H Landhaus Zu den Rothen Forellen, Ilsenborg that overlooks the lake in Ilsenborg and is in the town centre.
Non-dining guests will be staying in the Hotel Altora, Wernigerode immediately opposite the station. Steam trains can be viewed from the dining room as they come and go throughout the day!
www.CathedralsExpress.co.uk
WELCOME TO THE HARZ
HARZ MOUNTAINS EXPLORER 2018
Harz Mountains Railway
Wernigerode Castle
Booking Office 01483 209888
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Day 6 Sunday 22 April 2018 Exploring the Harz Mountains and a chance to see Faust at the Brocken! Throughout the day passengers will have opportunities to explore both the local tourist attractions of the Harz Mountains, or if they prefer, spend the entire day travelling on a specially chartered train steam hauled through the mountains. In the afternoon and evening passengers who wish will have the chance to steam up to the top of the Brocken Mountain to watch a special Harz Mountains edition of Faust, an opera about the Harz, and enjoy dinner in the mountain top restaurant. Others who are not culture vultures can carry on steaming on our private charter.
Day 7 Monday 23 April 2018 Another day for exploring the Harz Mountains
HARZ MOUNTAINS EXPLORER 2018
For steam lovers there will be an all day excursion to give you an opportunity to cover the whole of the extensive Harz Mountains network. Alternatively you may choose to join a tour to the Unesco World Heritage medieval town of Quedlinburg, which has over 1,300 half-timbered houses.
Steam locomotive in Harz Mountains
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Day 8 Tuesday 24 April Harz Mountains to Cologne Our final day of steam will involve some fast mainline running across Western Germany to the beautiful Cathedral city of Cologne.
Cologne Hotels Excelsior Hotel Ernst
HARZ MOUNTAINS EXPLORER 2018
Cologne Cathedral
Mondial am Dom 5
Pullman guests will be staying the luxurious 5H Excelsior Hotel Ernst which is a few yards from the station and overlooks the Cathedral. Dinner will be taken in the hotel.
Premier Dining guests will be staying at the 4H Mondial am Dom 5 minutes walk from the Cathedral. Dinner will be taken in the hotel. Non-dining guests will be staying in the Europa Hotel just yards from the Cathedral.
Day 9 Wednesday 25 April Cologne to London After a morning free to explore Cologne, passengers who have chosen to travel by train, will return home in a little under 5 hours in a combination of the famous German High speed ICE trains and Eurostar to St Pancras. Alternatively, as before passengers will be able to fly if they so wish and this can be organised by Steam Dreams.
Booking Office 01483 209888
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All You Need to Know Carriages On the German and Czech Republic main line trips we will be using a mixture of vintage coaches from Germany and Austria. Some of the Pullman Style Dining coaches are beautifully restored, and have been used in countless period films. We will also be using compartments for our Premier Dining package with 4 passengers per compartment, and our Non-dining package will have 6 passengers per compartment. Steam Locomotives On the German and Czech Republic main line trips we will be using express locomotives 032155-4 and 031010. In the Harz Mountains, we will be using both the ‘standard locomotives’ built in the 1930s and the Mallet tank locomotives, which are over 100 years old.We will be organising photo run pasts in the Harz and on the main line so you can capture the best possible pictures of the locomotives in steam for your holiday photo album. Booking Information Our tour will start and end in Cologne. However, passengers are being given the following options for joining the tour:
HARZ MOUNTAINS EXPLORER 2018
• Independent Travel Make your own way to Europe and join us in Cologne (early
afternoon) or in Berlin (late evening) on 17th April and make your own independent travel options for your homeward journey from Cologne on 25th April. • T rain Travel from London with Steam Dreams Travel with Steam Dreams on an early morning scheduled Eurostar from London St Pancras and a high speed train service to Cologne via Brussels on 17th April, with the same arrangements for the return journey on 25th April. Supplement applies. • Train Travel from London with Steam Dreams (with extra night in Cologne) Travel with Steam Dreams on a scheduled Eurostar from London St Pancras and a high speed train service to Cologne via Brussels on 16th April for an extra night in Cologne prior to onward travel to Berlin. Passengers will be taken home on a high speed train service from Cologne to London St Pancras via Brussels on 25th April. Supplement applies. • Flights to/from Germany (organised by Steam Dreams) Flights from Heathrow, Manchester or Edinburgh airports to Berlin on the outward journey and from Cologne to the same airports on the return can be organised by Steam Dreams at cost. This also includes transfers to and from the airports and hotels in Germany. Supplement applies.
Classes of Travel Pullman Style Dining – 5 Star Passengers who book the Pullman Style Dining package will be staying in 5H hotels, including the only hotel with that rating in the Harz Mountains. Also included in the Pullman Style Dining package will be seating in the vintage Austrian dining coaches on all mainline trips, including the diesel leg from Cologne to Berlin. What’s Included • Breakfast will be taken in your hotel every morning • On mainline train days (days 1, 2, 4, 5, and 8) meals will be served on board at your seat. Depending the time of day, this will be brunch, light lunch or afternoon tea. • Dinner is included in the hotels on nights 1, 2, 5 and 8. • On night 6 dinner is included if you attend “Faust” at the Brocken, or otherwise will be provided in your hotel. • On nights 3 and 4 in Dresden, and night 7 in the Harz Mountains, you will be free to make your own dining arrangements in one of the many restaurants available. On the Harz Mountains trains Pullman Style Dining passengers will be allocated two seats per person in the vintage carriages, to allow them to stretch out and enjoy the view. No meals and only occasional hot drinks will be available on the Harz Mountains trains as these coaches are small and not equipped for dining. Pullman Style Dining passengers who opt to travel to and from Germany with Steam Dreams will be allocated seats on these trains in the operator’s equivalent of First Class. Premier Dining – 4 Star Our Premier Dining passengers will stay in 4 star city centre hotels. On the mainline trips, including the diesel section between Cologne and Berlin on Day 1, Premier Dining passengers will be in compartments for 6, but only 4 seats will be allocated, giving ample space for passengers to spread out and enjoy the views.
What’s Included • Breakfast will be served in the hotels on every day • Dinner is also included in the hotel on days 1, 2, 5 and 8. • On days 3 and 4 in Dresden, and days 6 and 7 in Wernigerode, passengers will be free to make their own arrangements at the many bars and restaurants there. • On mainline train days (days 1, 2, 4, 5, and 8), you will be served hot and cold snacks or hampers at your seats during the trip, but these compartments do not have full dining tables. On the Harz Mountains trains there are no full catering facilities, and only occasional drinks will be available, but there will be plenty of opportunities to buy food to eat during the day. Premier Dining passengers who opt to travel to and from Germany with Steam Dreams will be allocated seats on these trains in the operator’s equivalent of Standard Class. Non-dining – 3 Star Non-dining passengers will enjoy some great city centre hotels in good locations, usually 3 star, with access to plenty of places to eat and drink nearby. On mainline steam trips Non-dining passengers will be seated in compartments for 6, and will be able to buy hot and cold snacks as well as drinks during the day. Non-dining passengers who opt to travel to and from Germany with Steam Dreams will be allocated seats on these trains in the operator’s equivalent of Standard Class. Meals Breakfast will be provided in your hotels on all days, and all other meals will be at passengers’ leisure.
Ground fare (Cologne Cologne)
Supplement pp for train travel from UK (London - London)
Supplement for train travel from UK and extra night in Cologne (London - London)
Table for 2 Supplement (mainline vintage steam trips)
Dresden to Prague Day Trip
Faust Performance and dinner
Pullman Style Dining
£2,950
£500
£650 (£725 single)
£500 per table
£225
Included
Premier Dining
£2,295
£250
£375 (£450 single)
-
£175
£80
Non Dining
£1,795
£250
£350 (£375 single)
-
£99
£80
Class of travel
A 25% non-refundable deposit is payable upon booking, with the balance to be paid by 15 December 2018.
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THE CATHEDRALS EXPRESS TO EDINBURGH 2018 Saturday 19 - Tuesday 22 May 2018 Following the popularity of our 2016 and 2017 trips to Edinburgh with Flying Scotsman, we are planning to visit the Scottish capital once again.
CATHEDRALS EXPRESS TO EDINBURGH 2018
Flying Scotsman over the Border Bridge
Booking Office 01483 209888
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Day 1 Saturday 19 May 2018 London to York and Edinburgh We leave London’s Kings Cross in the morning hauled by a vintage diesel for a quick run up the East Coast Main Line to York. We set off by steam on the scenic route past the distant Yorkshire Moors, steam high over the city of Durham and its beautiful Cathedral and on to views of the Angel of the North before crossing high above the River Tyne in Newcastle.
Days 2 & 3 Sunday 20 and Monday 21 May 2018 day at leisure in Edinburgh A & optional steam trips Passengers are free to make their own plans for the day in Edinburgh. With streets steeped in history, superb shopping and a thriving cultural scene, the city offers something for everyone. Optional excursions may include a trip to see the Falkirk Wheel, the Kelpies or some of the region’s distilleries, or a steam trip over the Forth Rail Bridge.
CATHEDRALS EXPRESS TO EDINBURGH 2018
If anything, further North the scenery is even better as we enjoy views of the sea and pretty Northumbrian towns and villages as we approach and cross the Royal Border Bridge at Berwick.
The run down into Edinburgh winds along the Scottish cliffs before the journey finishes with views of the distant Firth of Forth before emerging into the heart of the capital in Edinburgh Waverley station, close to the hotels where you can opt to stay with Steam Dreams.
Flying Scotsman over the Forth Bridge
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STEAM HAULAGE
At the time of printing the National Railway Museum had not finalised its plans for 2018 onwards. If available we will use Flying Scotsman on this trip. If not, steam haulage will be provided by steam locos such as B1 Class Mayflower, A4 Class Union of South Africa or Merchant Navy Class British India Line.
Edinburgh Castle
CATHEDRALS EXPRESS TO EDINBURGH 2018
Booking Office 01483 209888
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Day 4 Tuesday 22 May 2018 Homeward bound On the return journey, we plan to take the West Coast Main Line route, with a stop at Carlisle before continuing through Cumbria for a steam-hauled journey over the famous Settle & Carlisle Railway. From North Yorkshire, we will be whisked back to London by modern traction.
Hotels
The Carlton
CATHEDRALS EXPRESS TO EDINBURGH 2018
The Balmoral
Fully refurbished in 2016, the Carlton has an entrance opposite the railway station and is conveniently located for The Royal Mile.
The ultimate in luxury and a grand old railway hotel situated literally on the steps of the station, the Balmoral is a wonderful place to stay in Edinburgh. With bedrooms designed by Olga Polizzi comfort and elegance flow throughout. The staff are friendly and helpful and always on hand to assist. The Michelin starred restaurant and mouthwatering breakfasts are not to be missed!
Built in the 19th Century this 4H hotel is in the grand tradition but with modern comforts and in the heart of the main sights of Edinburgh. First Class and Premier Standard passengers will be staying in 3H city centre hotels.
Settle and Carlisle Railway
Class of travel
Fares (without hotel per person)
Fares (with hotel per person) Double/Twin
Single supplement
Pullman Style Dining
£799
£1299
£425
£150
Premier Dining
£649
£999
£275
£100
First Class
£499
£799
£275
-
Premium Standard
£349
£599
£175
-
50% non-refundable deposit to be taken at time of booking. Full balance to be paid 19 February 2018
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Table for 2 supplement
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THE LAKES EXPRESS Monday 18 - Thursday 21 June 2018 A chance to enjoy a fantastic holiday by steam to one of Britain’s most beautiful tourist destinations, the Lake District.
THE LAKES EXPRESS 2018
Galetea travels the Cumbrian Coast and Yorkshire Dales
Booking Office 01483 209888
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Day 1 Monday 18 June London to the Lake District Leaving London Victoria, we head towards Shrewsbury before taking the picturesque route along the Welsh border for a mid afternoon break in Chester. In early evening we head north to Carnforth at the southern end of the Lake District from where passengers staying with Steam Dreams will be transferred to their hotels on Lake Windermere.
Day 2 Tuesday 19 June
THE LAKES EXPRESS 2018
Passengers will be able to enjoy a day at leisure, visiting the many sights in this beautiful part of England, and for steam lovers, there will be an opportunity to visit the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway and the narrow gauge Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway.
Lake District National Park
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Day 3 Optional trip by Steam around the Cumbrian Coast and across the Settle and Carlisle Railway. Passengers will have the opportunity to enjoy northern England’s most scenic railways in one trip, hauled by a locomotive from the London Midland and Scottish Railway. First we will pass along the Cumbrian Coast which hugs the Irish Sea on one side, and the edge of the towering Lake District Fells on the other, before a break in Carlisle. Afterwards we steam up the world famous Settle and Carlisle, reopened in March 2017, before returning to Carnforth. Alternatively passengers can spend a further day at leisure visiting places of interest in the Lakes.
Day 4 Carnforth to London Victoria We head initially east to Hellifield where we join the Midland Mainline from where we travel southward through the Heart of England to return to London Victoria in the early evening.
THE LAKES EXPRESS 2018
Booking Office 01483 209888
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THE LAKES EXPRESS 2018
Yew Tree House
Hotels Hotels in the Lake District will include: Old England MacDonald Hotel One of the finest 4H Lake District hotels. Set on the shores of Lake Windermere this grand old hotel offers breathtaking scenery. Its prime position on the lake front gives unrivalled views over the gardens, to private jetties and moorings on the lake. Belsfield Hotel Built in 1845, this award-winning hotel stands in 6 acres of gardens with unparalleled views over Lake Windermere. The en suite rooms enjoy designer furnishings.
Belsfield Hotel
Class of travel
Fares (without hotel per person)
Fares (with hotel per person) Double/Twin
Single supplement
Pullman Style Dining
£799
£1199
£325
£150
Premier Dining
£649
£999
£300
£100
First Class
£499
£849
£300
-
Premium Standard
£349
£599
£175
-
50% non-refundable deposit to be taken at time of booking. Full balance to be paid 18 March 2018
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Table for 2 supplement
www.CathedralsExpress.co.uk
GREAT LAKES EXPLORER USA Autumn 2019 Join Steam Dreams on a unique 8 day trip to the Great Lakes area of North America where we will enjoy being hauled by one of the world’s most powerful locomotives Milwaukee Road 261
GREAT LAKES EXPLORER 2019
The Milwaukee Road 261 steam locomotive
Booking Office 01483 209888
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Day 1 Meet in Minneapolis
Day 6 Giants Ridge to Minnesota
Our passengers will join up today in the City of Minneapolis. There will be the option of joining a group flying from the UK or making your own way to the States.
Today we leave Giants Ridge Resort and head to St Paul, Minnesota where we will stay two nights. Located on the Banks of the Mississippi River there is plenty to explore.
Day 2 Minneapolis
Day 7 Minnesota
Today is a day at leisure with some optional excursions in and around the city of Minneapolis.
A day at leisure with optional tours.
Day 3 Minneapolis to Duluth We depart Minneapolis behind steam locomotive 261 for the 156 mile trip to Duluth on the shores of Lake Superior.
Day 4 Duluth to Giants Ridge After breakfast in our hotels we rejoin 261 for the trip to Giants Ridge Resort where we will be spending the next two nights.
Day 5 Giants Ridge
After breakfast we leave St Paul for Chicago. We will attach Super Dome, Cedar Rapids and lounge car Wisconsin Valley to the rear of the regular Amtrak Service train. This will give superb views as we travel the 250 miles along the shores of the Mississippi River to Lacrosse Wisconsin before heading due east to Milwaukee on the shores of Lake Michigan before turning south for a high speed run into Chicago for our final two night stay.
GREAT LAKES EXPLORER 2019
A day at leisure to explore the Northern Lakes of Minnesota and the Canadian Border.
Day 8 St Paul to Chicago
The Milwaukee Road 261 steam locomotive
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www.CathedralsExpress.co.uk
GREAT LAKES EXPLORER 2019
Lake Superior in Autumn
Booking Office 01483 209888
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Day 9
GREAT LAKES EXPLORER 2019
Day at leisure with optional tours of Chicago before our organised party to the UK leaves late in the day and other passengers disperse at their leisure.
Chicago on the edge of Lake Superior
Cedar Rapids Dome Car
Cedar Rapids Dome Car
The final details of this tour are still being organised with our American partners, Milwaukee Road 261 and if you are interested in travelling with us please ask to be registered on the interest list at the Booking Office.
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www.CathedralsExpress.co.uk
TERMS AND CONDITIONS for postage and time to process the payment. Gift Vouchers, Credit Notes & Discounts All third party gift vouchers, Steam Dreams gift vouchers, credit notes or discounts must be redeemed through the Booking Office by telephone and cannot be used for online bookings. In the event of a train being cancelled or you cancelling your booking, vouchers are non-refundable as a cash payment, however vouchers can be transferred for use against another Steam Dreams trip. In the event of a customer cancellation, the cancellation/transfer conditions stated below will apply. Third party vouchers may only be redeemed on particular trips, as specified by Steam Dreams. If you choose to cancel a booking made with a third party voucher within 7 days of departure, the third party voucher is non-transferable. Discounts may only be used against bookings made after the date of issue and cannot be retrospectively added to any previous bookings. Deposits All deposits are non-transferable or refundable, even if subsequent payment has been made for the full balance. Customer Cancellation for day trips Should the customer choose to cancel their booked trip for whatever reason, the greater of the following charges will apply: • Up to 2 months before travel - 15% fee (or loss of deposit) • Between 2 months and 1 month before travel - 25% fee (or loss of deposit) • Between 1 month and 14 days before travel - 50% fee • Within 14 days of travel - 100% fee. Customer Transfers for day trips Should the customer choose to transfer from one booked trip to another for whatever reason, the greater of the following charges will apply: • Up to 2 months before travel - 10% fee (or loss of deposit) • Between 2 months and 1 month before travel- 20% fee (or loss of deposit) • Between 1 month and 14 days before travel - 30% fee (or loss of deposit) • Between 14 days and 48 hours of travel - 50% fee • Within 48 hours of travel - 75% fee • On or after the day of travel - bookings are non-transferable. Outstanding balances should be paid in full two months before departure to ensure your booking is not cancelled. Terms & Conditions for Short Breaks (2-4 Days) Customer Cancellation Should the customer choose to cancel their booked short break for whatever reason, the greater of the following charges will apply: • Up to 4 months before travel - 10% fee (or loss of deposit) • Between 4 months and 3 months before travel - 15% fee (or loss of deposit) • Between 3 months and 2 months travel - 40% fee (or loss of deposit) • Between 2 months and 1 month before travel - 75% fee. • Within 1 month before travel - 100% fee. All hotel payments are non-refundable within 3 months before the date of travel. Customer Transfers Should the customer choose to transfer from one booked short break to another trip for whatever reason, the greater of the following charges will apply: • Up to 3 months before travel - 10% fee (or loss of deposit) • Between 3 months and 2 months before travel - 30% fee (or loss of deposit) • Between 2 months and 1 month before travel - 50% fee • Between 1 month and 14 days before travel - 75% fee • Within 14 days of travel - 100% fee All hotel payments are non-transferable within 3 months before the date of travel. Outstanding balances should be paid in full 3 months before departure to ensure your booking is not cancelled. Terms & Conditions for Explorer Holidays (8+ days) Customer Cancellation Should the customer choose to cancel their booked trip on The Cathedrals Explorer for whatever reason, the greater of the following charges will apply: • Up to 4 months before travel - 10% fee (or loss of deposit) • Between 4 months and 3 months before travel - 25% fee (or loss of deposit) • Between 3 months and 2 months before travel - 50% fee • Between 2 months and 1 month before travel - 75% fee • Within 1 month of the departure date - 100% fee Outstanding balances should be paid in full 4 months before the departure date to ensure your booking is not cancelled. During your time with us, please bring any problems you may experience to the attention of the management so that we may try to rectify them swiftly.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
General Conditions Steam Dreams will use its best efforts to ensure that the proposed locomotives, coaching stock, route and times run as advertised but we reserve the right to amend or cancel any part of the tour at any time. Steam Dreams cannot accept any responsibility for the action of third parties and strongly recommends that all passengers take out travel/cancellation insurance. Charges do apply should passengers need to cancel or postpone their trip for whatever reason, whether their plans change due to ill-health, travel issues or weather conditions. To avoid disappointment or unnecessary expense, passengers are advised not to pre-book transport links or accommodation, unless the costs associated with cancelling these arrangements are covered by the passengers own insurance, as Steam Dreams cannot be held liable for additional costs incurred in passengers travel plans. Timings, routes and locomotives are subject to change as Steam Dreams is dependent on third parties and these are not within their control. Timings displayed in Steam Dreams brochures and on the Steam Dreams website are approximate and subject to change. Timings and platform numbers are confirmed by Network Rail normally 5-7 days before travel and once details are confirmed tickets will be issued with the final timings and platform numbers. Steam Dreams will use its best endeavours to ensure the boarding/alighting stations listed in their brochure and website are those which are used on the day. However, due to operational reasons, occasionally Network Rail’s final timings do not include one of the boarding stations we have requested. In these circumstances, Steam Dreams will take responsibility for ensuring that passengers are able to join the train at the nearest available boarding station at no additional cost (usually by service train). Steam Availability Steam Dreams will use its best efforts to provide steam traction on trips rostered for steam haulage, for the sector(s) advertised as such, but this cannot be guaranteed. On occasion a diesel locomotive may be substituted, mainly due to fire risk, drought, route restrictions or locomotive failure. All steam locomotives are subject to a Fitness to Run (FTR) exam 24 hours prior to running on the main line, which means it is sometimes necessary for a substitute to be made at the last minute. On some tours it may be necessary for a part of the journey to be diesel hauled, normally at the request of Network Rail, the train operating company or the locomotive owner. Where possible we will try to make this clear at the time of booking but it may be necessary for changes to be made at a later stage for operational reasons. If for reasons beyond our control a trip has no steam traction a partial refund of £15 in Premium Standard, £20 in First Class, £25 in Premier Dining and £30 in Pullman Style Dining may be offered. Alternatively we may offer a credit note for treble this amount to be used against a future trip. The nature of the compensation must be agreed on the date of the trip, otherwise the credit note will be issued. Passengers who have booked using a Steam Dreams or third party voucher will be issued with a credit note for the amounts stated above. Diesel Assistance Occasionally, on steam hauled trips, a diesel engine may be attached to the train for operational reasons or due to adverse weather. Steam Dreams will not offer a discount or compensation in this instance. Traveller Health Conditions To get the most out of our trips, passengers must be able to board the train and walk through the carriage(s) to their allocated seat unassisted. Passengers must make Steam Dreams staff aware of any mobility assistance required at least a week prior to the date of the tour. Mobility assistance includes the use of wheelchairs, walking frames and walking sticks. Wheelchairs, walking frames and mobility scooters must be of the fold-up variety and will be issued with an identity tag before being stored in the guards van and cannot be used on board the train. If in doubt, please contact the Booking Office for advice. Dining on board Please check the individual day trip itinerary and the ‘Your Route’ section to see what meals are included on each trip. Steam Dreams will endeavour to ensure delivery of the dining service to Pullman Style and Premier Dining Passengers as listed in our publicity material. On-board meal service is dependent on train timings (issued to Steam Dreams by third parties), provision of utilities and access to re-stock, and therefore on very rare occasions may be subject to revisions from what has been advertised. Steam Dreams will endeavour to cater for allergies or severe dislikes of some foods, but cannot guarantee that all our food will be totally free of specific allergens (such as nut, garlic or gluten) as it is prepared in kitchens where traces of allergens may be found. Payment Bookings may be paid for by debit or credit cards. Debit card payments do not incur extra charges, but a transaction fee is charged for credit card payments; 2% for Mastercard and Visa card payments, and 2.6% for American Express card payments. This covers the costs incurred by Steam Dreams for providing this service. In the event of a customer cancellation, this charge is non-refundable and non-transferable. Other payment methods including paying by cash or cheque* are still be available for telephone bookings only and remain free of charge, although cleared funds must be received at least 14 days prior to travel. Cash payments may be made by arrangement with the Booking Office or on-train staff. *We are unable to accept payment by cheques less than 21 days prior to departure. This is to allow
Bryherley Ltd trading as Steam Dreams, operators of The Cathedrals Express. Registered in England. Registered No. 4036827
Booking Office 01483 209888
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October 2020 New Zealand’s railways are an undiscovered and underused gem and our Kiwi Explorer will travel the length and breadth of these beautiful islands from Auckland in the North to Invercargill near the tip of South Island.
KIWI EXPLORER 2020
NORTH ISLAND
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Days 1 & 2
Day 6
We will meet in Auckland and spend two nights here with an optional day trip by steam to Whangerei.
A day at leisure in the National Park.
Day 3
We travel by steam down the western side of North Island to Hawkes Bay crossing some of the most famous railway structures in New Zealand.
We set out by steam from Auckland to the famous geothermal hot springs at Rotorua with transfer by coach to your hotels.
Day 7
Day 8
Day 4
Day of leisure in Hawkes Bay.
A day at leisure in the wonderful surroundings of Rotorua with ample time to visit the many attractions related to the hot springs.
Day 9
Day 5 We set off by coach to join our steam train that will be waiting to take us to National Park, one of the many reservations so lovingly tended by the New Zealand authorities.
We steam from Hawkes Bay down the coastal route to the southern tip of North Island to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand.
Day 10 A day at leisure in Wellington while our steam locomotives and carriages are transferred to the world famous rail ferry to Picton – certainly a first for a Steam Dreams tour!
www.CathedralsExpress.co.uk
SOUTH ISLAND Day 11
Days 17 & 18
Our time on North Island is at an end and we transfer by ferry (plane option for those who wish) across to Picton. Here at the picturesque harbour our steam train will be waiting for us for a beautiful late afternoon run along the West Coast of South Island to the beautiful town of Kaikoura.
Passengers will enjoy the opportunity to explore many of the exciting tourist attractions that the south of New Zealand has to offer including one optional steam trip from Invercargill to Ohai.
Day 12 A day at leisure in Kaikoura where the breathtaking scenery can be explored or a trip to go whale watching will be available as well.
Day 13 We steam further along the East Coast to the principal city of South Island, Christchurch, with time in the afternoon to explore this vibrant sea side city.
Day 14 After further time in Christchurch we leave mid morning by steam for the 220 mile trip to another fascinating South Island city, Dunedin.
Day 15
Day 16 We steam right along to the tip of South Island to New Zealand’s southernmost city Invercargill.
Kaikoura Coastline
Passengers and all involved with this Kiwi Explorer will congregate for a farewell dinner at the marvellous Bill Richardson Motor Museum which is recognised as probably the best of its kind anywhere in the world.
Day 20 We retrace our steps by steam from Invercargill to a night in Oamaru with its museums, art galleries and cafés.
Day 21 We return by steam again, to Christchurch from where passengers return home with the option of making their own arrangements or travelling with the Steam Dreams group from the UK.
Optional Excursion – Day 15-Day 18 For those who wish to visit the famous New Zealand destinations of Queenstown and Wanaka and experience a cruise on either Milford or Doubtful Sound there will be an optional excursion for four days. These parts of the west of New Zealand are not rail connected but include some of the most famous tourist sights including the area made famous by the filming of Lord of the Rings.
KIWI EXPLORER 2020
There will be an optional excursion up the privately owned Taieri Gorge Railway with also plenty of time to explore.
Day 19
New Zealand Steam 1271
As is usual with these tours our passengers will have the option of being in 5H, 4H or 3H accommodation with on board facilities to match. There will be the option of travelling to either North or South Island or staying with us throughout the entire tour. Initial estimates are that the fares for this trip will be about the same as our usual 9 day Explorers for just one Island or double for both – all these prices are exclusive of transfer to and from New Zealand which will be possible with Steam Dreams or under your own “steam!” Please register for interest with the Booking Office
Booking Office 01483 209888
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Steam Dreams, PO Box 169, Albury, Guildford, Surrey GU5 9YS Booking Office: 01483 209888 www.CathedralsExpress.co.uk Email info@steamdreams.co.uk Follow us on Facebook
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